Event Details
Welcome to Kiliani Volksfest Würzburg 2027
From 2 to 18 July 2027, the Talavera grounds in Würzburg host the largest folk festival in Lower Franconia. The Kiliani Volksfest draws up to one million visitors to this Franconian wine city over 17 days of beer tent celebrations, fairground rides and traditional festivities. Entry to the festival grounds is free of charge.
History & Tradition
The Kiliani Volksfest has its roots in Germany's oldest trading fair, the Kilianimesse, authorised by Emperor Conrad as far back as 1030. The festival is named after Saint Kilian, the Irish bishop and patron saint of Franconia, whose feast day falls on 8 July. What began as a medieval market has grown into one of Bavaria's most beloved folk festivals. To this day, the traditional Kiliani Market runs simultaneously on Würzburg's main square throughout the festival period.
Highlights
- Official beer keg tapping by the Mayor on opening Friday at 6:00 PM in the main tent
- Kiliani Costume Parade on the first Saturday through Würzburg's historic city centre
- Opening and closing fireworks on the first Friday and last Sunday at 10:30 PM
- Daily live program in the beer tent with brass bands and headline acts
- Brass Music Day and Clubs and Associations Day
- Festival church service in the beer tent on the closing day
- Dozens of funfair rides for all ages including roller coasters, water rides and drop towers
- Parallel: Kiliani Market at Würzburg's historic Marktplatz
Beer Tent & Festival Beer
The centrepiece of the festival is the Hahn beer tent with around 5,000 seats, run by the Hahn family together with Würzburger Hofbräu. The brewery produces a special amber-coloured Kiliani festival beer exclusively for the occasion. Table reservations are available and come with the purchase of food and drink vouchers. Advance vouchers can be purchased from the Würzburger Hofbräu administration office.
Kiliani Costume Parade
The traditional Kiliani parade takes place on the first Saturday of the festival. The route leads from Rennweger Ring through Residenzplatz, Theaterstraße, Juliuspromenade, Domstraße, across the historic Alte Mainbrücke and along Luitpoldstraße to the festival grounds at Talavera. Participants gather from 12:15 PM with the procession departing at 12:30 PM.
Getting There & Parking
- Tram line 4 runs directly to the Talavera stop (from the main station and city centre), with 15-minute intervals in the evening.
- The Talavera car park is not available during the festival period.
- Paid parking is available at Viehmarktplatz, Parkplatz Friedensbrücke and the Mainwiesen area.
- Covered bicycle parking is available directly at the festival grounds.
Visitor Tips
- Entry to the festival grounds is free.
- Book tent reservations early; they require the purchase of food and drink vouchers.
- Arrive by tram line 4 to Talavera stop for a stress-free journey.
- Franconian costume attire is welcome and adds to the authentic Kiliani atmosphere.
- The Kiliani Market on the Marktplatz is worth a visit alongside the main festival (Mon–Fri 9 AM–7 PM, Sat 9 AM–6 PM, Sun 11 AM–6 PM).
- Book accommodation in Würzburg several months in advance.
